News

The Green Party is renewing its call to remove the double standard that allows for referendum on the establishment of only Māori wards from law.

It has been confirmed that there will be referendum held during May in Palmerston North, Kaikoura, Manawatū, Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatane, which will likely overturn the decisions of those five districts council’s to establish Māori wards.

The Green Party is disappointed that its Member’s Bill to enable better Māori representation in local government was voted down last night, but is vowing to continue its campaign to make it happen.

Marama Davidson’s Bill would have ensured that the establishment of Māori and general wards follow the same legal process. Currently, the establishment of Māori wards in local government can be put to a referendum, whereas general wards can’t be – they are decided by councils alone.

The Green Party has today entered a Member’s Bill into the ballot that would make local government representation more equitable by ensuring that the establishment of both Māori and general wards on district and regional councils follows the same legal process.